I Wanna Get Down & Dirty

[bernzpeed]

HA! Title got you opening this thread now. LOL. You perv you.

Anyways, I was thinking after reading all the great threads about engine build ups that I want to learn how to dismantle my engine and put it all together with new parts in it.

When I bought the car, I didn't even listen to the engine and just took the seller's word that it had a knock. I was already thinking of replacing the engine anyways. So I have a spare engine I want to tinker with.

What I want to know is what causes a "knock" in the engine. Is it rods? valves? camshaft? How long does it take to rebuild an engine? What are the most impt parts to replace? Is there a way to test the engine even if its out of the car?

Intelligent answers are most welcomed.

[Dj Buttchug]

you need some education before you even start tearing an engine down. not to bash you in anyway but engines require very specific clearances and tolerances in order to function properly.

a "knock" is usually caused by the rods, but can be other engine parts as well. Bearings become damaged or worn which causes to much room between wrist pins or connecting rod journals.

it is probably in your best interest to just swap your engine out with a well known working one.

[bernzpeed]

yeah, i already have a good engine that will be swapped out by a professional. i have the spare (by spare, i mean the old & bad) engine to tinker with to learn how to fix it. do i need to have the head brought to the machine shop?

knowing all these stuff will also avoid being gypped by mechanics...

[Cabriolet]

yes, you get the car up to RyanG and have him do all the work for you. his prices are unbeatable.

[AndrewBird]

Buy a Bentley manual and read it throughly. This will be your best source of information.

[JasonC]

Contact japandrew for complete engine rebuild details!!!

[bernzpeed]

i'm not new to getting greasy... just haven't done efi engines, my last experience in tinkering with an engine was when I helped my brother take out & clean the twin side carb on his 4age engine and reinstall it.

does the bentley have the settings for torque on nuts and what nots? just wondering.

[Dj Buttchug]

yes it has everything

[BoxDriver86]

In addition to the Bentley, consider picking up 101 Performance Projects for your BMW 3 Series. It has a great section on when and why you should rebuild your engine. It also has a few neat tricks getting around parts when the Bentley suggests you have a special tool.

[bernzpeed]

I forgot about this thread and I just wanted to let everyone know that I've already overhauled an M20 and M42 and I'm about to tackle an M50 and do an engine and 5speed swap. Thanks, guys for the input.

I am sure a fast learner and I'm glad I was not afraid to get down and dirty. A few bruised knuckles and a sore back is all worth the experience I gathered.

Check out my tear down and rebuild on my Norcal E30 FB page. Thanks for the support guys.

[quikveedb2]

Good man. People make engine building out to be some kind of elaborate wizardry, but really it's just being meticulous, detail oriented, and educated on the particular motor you're digging into. Keep it up!

[bernzpeed]

Thanks, buddy!

[FredK]

[bernzpeed]

i can't access that link.